EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW FEATURE
FROM JOT'S DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL
AncientWorlds, Jot Ariston

For the last month I have been developing the guts of the NaviChat server and client. Although there is not a demo that I have put online yet, the prototype is already a lot of fun to test.

There will be significant issues in accomodating members on a dial-up internet connection since NaviChat is quite graphical. I will end up spending a good deal of time optimizing the "smarts" of the engine to try to sense when to download lower-res versions of the graphics for slower connections.

I have also been doing a lot of research on massively multiplayer online games (MMOG or MMORPG). I am quite excited to develop the game "SPQR Online" which will use the NaviChat engine as its basic world environment.

BABYLON - DEN OF INQUITY?
THE EAR REPORTS ON THE SHENANIGANS OF THE TRIFLING AND NOT SO FAMOUS
Babylon, Ear Enkidu

Ear is mortified. Evidently Ear's press credentials aren't good enough for some people. Chickies, would you believe Ear had to STOWAWAY on the Phoenix? Well, as Ear says, it only goes to show the lengths that your devoted reporter will go to to keep you informed!

Ear regrets to tell you that an indepth investigation of the Kash Bowl has revealed a sordid sin nest. The entire establishment seems to have been taken over by trashy blondes displaying more silicon than exists in that entire California valley. The person responsible for the buxom invasion is none other than pop star Alibert Humpen Enkidu, who is holding auditions for his backup singers, The Harem Queens. I'm sure Ear doesn't need to elaborate on the singing talents of the applicants (even that horrid Hildebeest has applied!)... I mean how much lower than nil can one go? Hrrrrumph!

Speaking of Hildebeest, Ear has it on reliable authority that having not satiated his lust for new acquisitions for his harem in the traditional way, King Zig took to new channels in pursuit of female companionship. Alas, modern methods proved too much for our Divine King, and he ran afoul of the dread Ban-shees. My dears, the poor man is in the Tull! Do send cookies and Kool-aid. Ear is knitting socks to keep his feet warm.

Ear is pleasantly surprised to see that Cretan royalty is now part of Babylon's upper crust. Believe me when I tell you there are more Princes, Princesses, and other nobility in The Kingdom of Crete than you can shake a stick at. Why, Ear ventures to say that even the chambermaids are royalty! Hmmmmm... perhaps Ear can finally acquire a title...

Chickies, Ear has been singing The Love Boat since boarding the Phoenix. Ear's ear is burning with all the hot and heavy action going on. Why listening at keyholes isn't even necessary... these people are noisy! Ear is sorry to report that they seem to be everywhere, from Yngvildr and Cuthbert on the deck, to K and Leela in the cabins, to our perennial lovebirds, Vee and jojo, in the Chief Justice's Luxury Suite.

Ear needs a fan. Ear is very hot after listening to this lustful activity.

Ear is going to go take a cold shower now. More next time, dears!

FAMILIES DISCUSSED IN CELTIA
NO NEW GROUPS AT THE MOMENT, THE REPORTER TELLS
Celtia, CathBran Niall

Another month has passed so quickly and the holiday season fast approaches. In the last month, Celtia has become the home to more than 80 new members. Our main topic of discussion has been the reintroduction of family boards & Celtia stands at 34 tribal or family names. We are perhaps lacking family names from the Iberian branch of our far-flung people and we may have a few more to fill in on the Continental Mainland. Asliaann Niall will be working with others on devising & refining the new family pages for the site. If any of you would like the latest information or to offer ideas, she is the best point of contact for this in Celtia. However, do not be impatient; they are not starting on them until after the holidays.

Our Groups still number thirteen this month with no new additions but almost all of them have been active over the last 30 days. The busiest places in the city appear to be Aillinn MacRoth’s “Stag & Hound” tavern & AW’s Anonymous co founded by Victoria Aedui & Diantha Livius. Vort has also given us a new thread for featured groups in the city “Celtia Group Spotlight”. At this time, it is featuring The Forbidden World.

As a warm up to our own Samhain festival (31 Oct 1 Nov), many of our people staged a raid, or friendly visit to Germania’s Haustblot in Hedeby fest. I do not have a firm count on winners of all events at this time but I do know that we made a very good showing in all of them. I know for a fact that our Bards, Merchants, & Warriors were out in force.

As to Samhain Vort & Aifa seem to be keeping the exact details to themselves for now, but I am sure they have some Wild Surprises in store for us. In addition, a warm up will begin on 27 Oct. when the Golden Phoenix arrives in Celtia with people from all over our world aboard. - See the GoldFest area of this section.

A WORLD OF BOOKS AT ANCIENT WORLDS
AN AREA FOR READERS AND AUTHORS
Rome, Ex Libris Valeria Sergius

If wealth is measured in words, then books are a treasure trove of riches, and riches such as these should be shared. At Ancient Worlds, there is a place for book lovers of all types and genres to congregate and share their plethora of information. Ex Libris is abuzz with discussions on ancient and modern literature, books written for both young and old, contemporary and classics, fairy tales and myths. Whatever has been put to paper (or is of oral tradition) is open for discourse.

Just to sample: There are threads on books about cooking,travel, and film. Maia Nestor says of Monet’s Table: The Cooking Journals of Claude Monet: "You are what you eat, or so the maxim goes. The text of this book gives valuable insight into the life and mind of the famous Impressionist painter, and the illustrations show you how he lived."

Under Books with Ancient Themes, I, Claudius gets a hearty "Thumbs Up" from Reylari Socrates, while Aspasia Tullius recommends Island of Ghosts, "the tale of Sarmatian auxiliary who participated in the invasion of Britain."

Remember that childhood story that whetted your appetite for books? Why not give your favorite author his or her due. Children’s Literature is a favorite thread at Ex Libris, where avid readers list the childrens books they consider classics and the authors whose magic have withstood the test of time. Also, you will find quite a bit of speculation on the latest of, yes, you guessed it…Harry Potter.

For the sci-fi enthusiast, there is a reading room as well as plenty of suggestions on the best sci-fi/fantasy books out there. And, of course, there is a thread totally dedicated to Tolkien’s trilogy, Lord of the Rings.

Under Fiction are a variety of categories, including Graphic Novels, French Novelists, Jane Austen, Modern Classics, The Russians, The Germanics, Romance Novels, and much, much more.

Non-fiction is given equal time and is a great hang-out for the avid historian. No culture is left untouched, as there are threads for Ancient History, Asian History, African History, American History, and those are just the A’s. Also, under Non-fiction is a thread for those who want to discuss True Crime Novels, Archeology books as well as Science and Technology.

Mysteries is a category all to itself, where you can converse about the greats Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, Ellis Peters (late author of the splendid Brother Cadfael series, set in 12th century Wales), as well as more contemporary authors like Martha Grimes. Heraklia Aelius waxes enthusiastic about Under the Eagle by Simon Scarrow, a series set in ancient Rome that has "...murders, intrigues, a lost chest of treasure, Roman politics, etc."

There is a section dedicated to those scribes who seek to join the literary apotheosis of great writers. Here is the place where authors, soon-to-be authors, and want-to-be authors can exchange advice, celebrate the joys and commiserate on the pains of writing.

Didn’t like a book? Want to make sure no one is duped into buying a dud? Whatcha Reading has a place to pan your least favorite writer or book.

Last, but surely not least, is the newest feature (and something close to Maximius’ heart): Poetry Corner, where poets can contribute their works directly to the ACTA Diurna. Now you can show your talents to the many citizens of Ancient Worlds.

So, what are you waiting for? C’mon in and look around. There’s something for everyone at Ex Libris. And if you join now, you get your very own library card, the passkey to the world of books at Ancient Worlds.

ARACHNOPHOBE CURE FOUND!
SPIDERS EVERYWHERE RUSH TO GERMANIA'S OCTOBERFEST TO CELEBRATE
Rome, Arachne's Web, Laurels Curius

ARACHNOPHOBE CURE FOUND!
SPIDERS EVERYWHERE RUSH TO GERMANIA'S OCTOBERFEST TO CELEBRATE

The election has ended, and the rebirth of Arachne begun! New group enthusiasm and activity are already underway. The election results can be found here, with much thanks to Maximius Flavius, one of our Roman Scribes, for interpreting and tallying the votes for us.

New boards and topics already created are:

• Security Section - headed by our newly elected Security Guru Toman Thutmose
• A new Competition Centre for all the competitions that Arachne will soon hold - headed by our newly elected Weaver Hapshetsut Nebet
• The Virtual Eye Candy board is undergoing a complete overhaul from it's new Graphics Guru Editor Demitria and will soon be filled with great topics like Fonts, Graphic Arts Software and more.
• Our new Arachne Projects Arena, where all our future and current projects will be worked on.
• The Arachne Academy, Our new Tutorials Headquarters which within the week will have their own accompanying Classrooms.
• Our new PSP Guru Talaitha Domitius has already started work on creating tutorials for placement within the new Academy thread PSP Tutorials.
• and even a thread for Graphic Requests, where all of AW can stop in and drop off their requests for Group, Family or personal graphics.

In other Arachne-fied news, we've had some long lost Arachnids find their way home in the form of Tiberius Aelius and Belay Fabius himself (also one of our newly elected Weavers), Bithiah Nebet is so excited to see the new Academy, she is planning to give up sleeping to participate in Belay's Tutorials! And Neima Nebet has become our Official Arachne Cheerleader, while Julilla Sempronius offered her Divine Assistance to Arachne as our new Patron Goddess of Spiders.

Arachnids are thrilled with the new ideas, boards, competitions and election results, and have started celebrating in grand style! Join us in the CoffeeHouse for cups of spiked java and congratulate our new Editors, Weavers and Patron Goddess! And we have Diantha Livius to thank for the spiked java, she insisted and as Rome's newest Scribe we had no choice!

Just listen to some of the great praise Arachne has gotten!

"Arachne's Web is, at long last, once again weaving her webbie wonders!" - our very own Weaver, AzureEyes Ramesses

"WOW! The plans are looking good!" - Louisa Agis

"Arachne's Web-Better Than Butter!" - Oset Ramesses/aka Fabio!

"Where's our FAQ!" -official Arachne Ogre Jojo Nebuchadnezzar, wait! that's not right..

"Congratulations to the new Arachne team, we all learn a lot with such a bunch around." - Julia Manach

"Laurels needs serious help for her rubber ducky addiction... but the rest of Arachne is doing fantastic! I am really happy for this group." - Vortigern Aediu

So why not come on in and add your voice to the fray. Check out our new areas, and join us in learning, graphics creation, securing your PC's from virus and just general CoffeeHouse fun!

WOMEN'S HISTORY AND ROLEPLAY IN DOWNTOWN ROME
LATEST NEWS FROM A LADIES' GROUP
Rome, Vita Feminea Antiqua, Justina Cassius

The VFA now has a total of 50 members! Thank you everyone for joining and participating too! Also, VFA now has a trivia thread, the ground rule being that the person who answered the previous question correctly sets the next question. At present we have had women related questions set, but there will be a general knowledge and a specific history quiz threads set up shortly. Remember, the Quizzes only work if people participate! The group also has new Author, Neima Nebet.

VFA is listed as a Role-play Group, but we have no role-play boards going! A Discussion topic has been started (some time ago!) so that Members can discuss what they want as a board. Please, all members, start making suggestions! Let's get a good discussion going.

Not everyone likes to participate in Role-play, as you have to be committed. Real life, at times, makes it difficult for some. A short story board would enable members who have a literary flare but are short on time, to write and submit their work. I am always amazed at what brilliant writers there are out there in AW. I know of one published Author who is a member of AW. Members can post as many short stories as they wish. Who knows, it could be the kickstart to you writing that novel you promised yourself you would write one day!

We need some more Members who will be prepared to have some editorial rights at the Group. If you are interested in an “Editorial” position at the group, please contact yours truly!

MUNDUS ROMAE: 1500 AUC UPDATE
ROMAN STEAM MEETS WESTERN MUSCLE
Rome, ResPublica Romana, Aminius Terentius

The newest group in ResPublica Romana...just about one month old...is off to an excellent start! Mundus Roma: 1500 AUC is an alternate history Roman Empire which discovers the New World and faces a whole new set of challenges and cultures from the Maya to Tang China.

The group's leaders: Arminius Terentius and Maria Marius, have been pleased with the inaugural progress which has been shown in such a short time. Several established and excellent writers have already shown their prowess here, as well as some amazing new talent...and it is hoped that more will join as the story develops. MR (as I call it for brevity's sake), welcomes players from all Ancient Sites cities...and is particularly in need of players with Chinese or other Oriental personae, as well as those of Egyptian or African stock.

Some of the players who have contributed so far include: Krystus Domitius as a shipwrecked Roman who finds himself in Brazil, Lucius Valerius Flaccus as the leader of Rome's colonia in Nova Italia (Florida), Maria Marius who plays Emperor Titus V's mistress and Decius Aemilius as an itinerant ikonographer in search of newsworthy items.

The newer players, also showing great talent and knowledge include: Tlotzin Moteuczoma who plays the chief advisor to the Aztec emperor Nacoxoc and Kinich Janab Pacal who plays the Maya lord of Palenque.

If you have always wanted to play in ancient Rome, but not been able to fit in because your persona's people hadn't been discovered yet, now is your chance! Join us at Mundus Romae for a romp about the world of Greater Rome! It's fast, it's easy--and it's FREE! Just join the group ResPublica Romana and start writing your own alternate Roman holiday!

BLACK ADDER IN ROME
THE NEWEST GROUP IN TOWN!
Rome, Nigravipera Aeterna, Paullus Fabius

Nigravipera Aeterna means "The Eternal Black Adder" in Latin. Nope, we aren´t satanists. But we are fans of the legendary Britcom BLACK ADDER series (starring Rowan "Mr. Bean" Atkinson).
In the original series Black Adder´s and his stupid, smelling servant Baldrick´s adventures took place in different periods of Brittish History.

Now, our own Tanaquil Sergius had the crazy idea of transforming Black Adder into Caligula´s Rome. Well, a few nutters (including me) started the new group. With the assiduous spam gramming of the Group Leader the group started of merrily.

The main character is Marcus Beanius Nigravipera (Black Adder), who is also known as Slack Bladder. He is the consul and a good friend of the mad/stupid Emperor Caligula. The group members make a interactive story of the adventures and escapedes of Bladder.

The group is a bit unactive now, but when the Group Leader starts spam gramming the members that´ll change!

So, figure out a character to yourself and join the best group in town!

THE TOWER OF BABEL
A NEW GROUP FOR AW LEADERS AND EDITORS
Rome, The Tower of Babel, LuciusFlaccus Valerius

A new group has opened up at AncientWorlds.net - the Tower of Babel. The new group is meant to be a forum where group leaders and editors from all around AW can come together and discuss issues regarding their groups, problems, disagreements, exchange tips and advice, and generally just have a place to relax and get away from the hardships of running and maintaining a group.

Tower of Babel features threads on the following topics: How to Run a Roleplay group, Keeping interest up in your group, Running Academic and Historical groups, Motivating members to post, Leadership qualities needed in a leader, and, of course, the AWLEU (Ancient Worlds Leaders and Editors Union).

To learn more about the AWLEU, or to see the discussions on managing and maintaining groups, please drop by!

ELECTIONS COMING UP!
MEMBERS NEEDED FOR THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
Rome, The Roman Republic, LuciusFlaccus Valerius

Come one, come all, to the Roman Republic!

The Roman Republic is a roleplay game set in 70 BCE, a recreation of the old AncientSites group of the same name.

And we need new people! Elections are coming up in just a couple weeks, and this is your chance to get in on the game! We'll need plenty of quaestors and tribunes of the plebs, and if you were a member of the Roman Republic back at AncientSites, you can also run for Praetor! So please, drop by and check us out. We're located in Rome.

ALL PATHS LEAD TO RELIGARE
Athens, Religare, Julia Manach

Religare group is giving its first steps. Its creation comes from the idea that religion is at the heart of an ancient and primeval longing for meaning and oneness. This is indeed an ambitious project, to explore human spiritual quest from the point of view of such different traditions as the path of the Goddess, the voice of Angels, the way of Yoga, the rigor of Zazen, the chants of the Sufi and so many others. We will try to "re-connect" to a wide diversity of traditions and explore the spiritual path by the approach of different disciplines: history, art, linguistics, anthropology, archaeology, theology, sociology, etc... but, more than anything, by the medium of our passions.

Goethe said “we are shaped and fashioned by what we love”. The founding members of this group think, and that’s our challenge, that learning when embedded in the heart, as well as the head, converts into wisdom. We also think that a pinch of [good] humor makes part of this journey; we hope that this can be a joyful one!

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A MURDER STAGED
A NEW ROLEPLAY GROUP
AncientWorlds, Ankhesenamon Ptolemy

Come, all AncientWorlds! A new Egyptian roleplay group is forming, but this time, only murder is the true story!

Any time period, any pharaoh, any plot, anything goes! To all who love whodonits, who love mystery, who love sleaze and scandal, who love suspense and thrillers!

Join and help Ankhesenamon Ptolemy form this new group. We need members and everyone is welcome! Our roleplay will start on October 30 at the latest and the first roleplay story on the docket is The Murder of Tutankhamon.

If anyone has story ideas or Egypt and Rome questions, contact Ankhesenamon Ptolemy!